Mid Cheshire Mind joins North Staffs Mind
We are delighted to announce that Mid Cheshire Mind has joined North Staffs Mind following a successful merger.
Both organisations have a proud and long history of providing mental wellbeing services in their respective areas – with collective experience totalling more than 60 years. Mid Cheshire Mind will retain its name and will continue to provide services and fundraising activities throughout Cheshire with all money raised staying within the local area.
North Staffs Mind has been providing interim leadership support to Mid Cheshire Mind for over 12 months to ensure that the merger was in the best interest of both organisations and their beneficiaries. During this time four new jobs have been created at Mid Cheshire Mind.
The merger will result in combined expertise and mental health support services delivered in both regions.
North Staffs Mind will employ over 100 people following the merger. It also offers a range of volunteering opportunities including placements for counselling students and in the last financial year provided services and support to over 12,000 individuals.
Kate Boundy, Chief Executive of North Staffs Mind says:
‘We have always had great respect for our neighbouring local Minds and so were really excited to be approached about a potential merger.
Bringing together the combined expertise and passion of both organisations is central to our core purpose of not giving up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. The merger will allow us to continue to expand our service offer across a wider geographical area – supporting the mental wellbeing needs of more local people and businesses.’
Mid Cheshire Mind Chair Joe Wheeler states:
‘As a result of the merger we have secured the long-term future of Mid Cheshire Mind. We have a history of providing excellent mental health support in our region and we will now be able to expand our services and help more people in our community.
I would like to thank and congratulate our staff and volunteers for maintaining our service provision during the merger activities.
Over the past year we have created a new wellbeing Hub in Winsford Cross Shopping Centre and joining forces with North Staffs Mind has undoubtedly strengthened local mental health service provision and provides a strong base for continued growth into the future.’
In summary, a combined organisation will allow North Staffs Mind to:
- Improve service accessibility and connectivity: streamlining provision across Cheshire and North Staffordshire will enable individuals to find the support they need, regardless of their location.
- Increase efficiency and improve effectiveness: our combined expertise and resources will enable us to enhance delivery across all services.
- Raising awareness and reducing stigma: combining our strengths and communication will have a greater impact on raising awareness about mental health and reducing stigma in our communities.
- Ultimately the merger will ensure that the people who use our services – our beneficiaries – will continue to be able to access high quality, progressive services that suit their changing needs
North Staffs and Mid Cheshire Minds are proud to be part of the larger Mind federation. This brings together over 100 local Mind associations across England and Wales, allowing us to draw on a vast network of expertise and resources. Our affiliation strengthens our ability to advocate for improved mental health care, influence policy changes, and collaborate with like-minded organisations to create a positive impact.
Posted on: 15th September 2024